Podcasts about story blender

Steven James is a critically acclaimed author of eighteen novels and numerous nonfiction books that have sold more than 1 million copies. His books have won or been shortlisted for dozens of national and international awards. In addition, his stories and articles have appeared in more than eighty different publications, including the New York Times. He is also a popular keynote speaker and professional storyteller with a master's degree in storytelling.  James' latest thriller, FATAL DOMAIN, is available. The new series follows Travis Brock, a redactor for the Department of Defense who must attempt to unearth the truth of a personal tragedy while trying to stop a terrorist group from stealing one of the military's most highly guarded technological breakthroughs. Since 1996, James has appeared more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe, presenting his stories and teaching the principles of storytelling to writers, speakers, teachers, and leaders. He also hosts the weekly podcast The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed more than 150 of the world's leading writers and storytellers. In 2020, he was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame for excellence in fiction writing. Publishers Weekly has called him “[a] master storyteller at the peak of his game.” When he's not writing or speaking, you may find him playing basketball or disc golf, or hiking near his home in the Appalachian Highlands of East Tennessee. He may or may not watch too many science fiction movies while eating bottomless bowls of chips and salsa. 

Join hosts JD Barker, Christine Daigle, Jena Brown and Kevin Tumlinson as they discuss the week's entertainment news, including Small Press Distribution shutting down, deals rebounding in the first quarter, and how Google is considering charging for AI-powered search. Then, stick around for a chat with author Steven James! Steven James is a critically acclaimed author of eighteen novels and numerous nonfiction books that have sold more than 1 million copies. His books have won or been shortlisted for dozens of national and international awards. In addition, his stories and articles have appeared in more than eighty different publications, including the New York Times. He is also a popular keynote speaker and professional storyteller with a master's degree in storytelling.  Since 1996, James has appeared more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe, presenting his stories and teaching the principles of storytelling to writers, speakers, teachers, and leaders. He also hosts the weekly podcast The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed more than 150 of the world's leading writers and storytellers. In 2020, he was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame for excellence in fiction writing. Publishers Weekly has called him “[a] master storyteller at the peak of his game.” --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/writersink/support

On this week's episode of The Story Blender, I speak with noted reality television, and unscripted TV show expert Troy Devolld. We talk about how reality TV has matured and grown in recent years, the not-so-secret secrets to developing a great show (hint, hint, it has to do with authenticity not just conflict.) We also discuss what it means to reinvent yourself (and it might not mean what you think it does) and why it's important to get the mustard water out as you write your stories. Give it a listen!

If you've ever thought about writing a screenplay and don't know where to start, you're going to love this week's episode of The Story Blender. Listen as I chat with Bob Saenz, a screeenwriter, author, and film writing instructor on secrets to humor, horror, characterization, and tons of inside tips to writing for Hollywood (which, you'll soon learn doesn't even exist…) Keep your pen handy to take notes as Bob shares valuable insights from his screenwriting career and his book THAT'S NOT THE WAY IT WORKS, a no-nonsense guide to the craft and business of screenwriting. Check it out!

Join Steven James as he talks with siblings Boyd and Beth Morrison on this episode of The Story Blender. They chat about the Black Plague, writing gripping historical thrillers, creating stories that entrain as well as inform readers, the ins and outs of collaboration, and the importance of finishing your novel and striving for brilliance rather than perfection.  You don't want to miss this one! #thestoryblender #readstevenjames

Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of New York Times bestseller I LET YOU GO, and Sunday Times bestsellers I SEE YOU, LET ME LIE, AFTER THE END, HOSTAGE and THE LAST PARTY. Translated into forty languages, her books have sold more than two million copies worldwide, and have spent a combined total of 64 weeks in the Sunday Times bestseller chart. Her latest novel is A GAME OF LIES, the second in a crime series featuring Welsh Detective Morgan. Join Steven James and Clare Macintosh on this episode of The Story Blender podcast.

Listen as Steven James interviews award winning, critically-acclaimed crime novelist W.C. Ryan. W.C. shares his insights into writing historical mysteries, on the importance of conflict and risk, on writing scenes drenched in intrigue ,how to keep people flipping the pages and the importance of the sense of place in the stories you tell. They discuss W.C.'s latest book, THE WINTER HOUSE, and his upcoming release, The Constant Solider. This episode of The Story Blender is a good one, don't miss it!

Wow! What a great conversation Steven James had with Lee Goldberg, a veteran TV writer and novelist. Get your pen ready to take notes as Lee talks about what characters do in a story (surprise, surprise; they don't change), how to make compelling characters, where humor comes from, the secret to Monk's character, how to use a “living outline,” and his latest novel MALIBU BURNING. Check out this episode of The Story Blender. Author and screenwriter Lee Goldberg has topped bestseller lists, earned wide critical acclaim, and garnered a worldwide devoted fan base for his compelling and meticulously researched police procedurals and spy thrillers. His latest book, MALIBU BURNING, which Thomas & Mercer will publish on September 1, 2023, marks a brand-new direction in crime fiction for the talented storyteller. It's a relentless thriller tracking both a master thief with a conscience and the dogged investigators out to stop him from pulling off the ultimate heist in the midst of a raging wildfire. Lee Goldberg is a two-time Edgar Award and two-time Shamus Award nominee and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of nearly 40 novels, including Lost Hills, True Fiction, fifteen Monk mysteries, and the first five “Fox & O'Hare” books, co-written with Janet Evanovich. He's also written and/or produced many TV shows, including Diagnosis Murder, SeaQuest, and Monk, and co-created the Hallmark movie series Mystery 101. As an international television consultant, he has advised networks and studios in Canada, France, Germany, Spain, China, Sweden, and the Netherlands on the creation, writing, and production of episodic television series. 

Listen to the newest episode of The Story Blender as Steven James chats with Chris Pavone, the author of 5 international thrillers whose latest book TWO NIGHTS IN LISBON is available now. They talk about what to include and what to avoid in writing stories, the importance of setting, credibility and characters and other secrets to keeping people flipping the pages. 

Join Steven James for a new episode of The Story Blender featuring Alice Hoffman. As one of our country's most distinguished novelist, Alice has written more than 30 novels, as well as short fiction that has appeared in more than 100 editions worldwide. Her newest novel THE INVISIBLE HOUR releases August 15. Listen as we chat about the importance of fairytales, the power of storytelling to not only capture imagination but shape (and change) lives, and the incredible depths storytelling can take us to.

Wow, what a fascinating interview! Today I'm joined by Steven James who's the author of 24 nonfiction books and 18 novels that have sold over 1 million copies. He's also the host of The Story Blender podcast. In this interview, we talk about: -How James finally wrote & published his first novel-Have you ever thought “I could write a better book than this!”? If so, here's what to do-What writing 24 nonfiction books taught James that helped him write better novels-Should you write fiction or nonfiction first? Here's how to decide…-Are storytellers born or made? Nature or nurture?-All stories have 4 elements; great stories have 2 additional elements...what are they?-How you should look at marketing differently as an author (and what James does to sell books)-How to market a new series vs. books in an existing seriesAnd so much more! If you're a fiction author or someone who's passionate about storytelling, you don't want to miss this episode! Watch the free training: https://selfpublishing.com/freetrainingSchedule a no-cost call with our team: https://selfpublishing.com/schedule Here are some links that might come in handy: Apply for a free book consultation Register for our free on-demand training Must-watch episodes: SPS 044: Using A Free + Shipping Book Funnel with Anik Singal SPS 115: Using Atomic Habits To Write & Publish A Book with James Clear SPS 127: Traditional vs. Self Publishing: Which You Should Choose with Ruth Soukup SPS 095: The Five Love Languages: Selling 15 Million Copies with Gary Chapman SPS 056: How I Sold 46M Copies of My Self Published Book with Robert Kiyosaki

On this week's episode of The Story Blender podcast, join me as I talk with Isabella Maldonado whose book "The Cipher" is based becoming a new Netflix series. Listen as we discuss the ins and outs of writing police procedurals and making them both believable and authentic and as well as original and thrilling. We also discuss her latest book, A Killer's Game.  #thestoryblender #isabellamaldonado #readstevenjames #thriller

Listen to an encouraging conversation with Nicole Baart as she shares the inside scoop on her latest novel, THE LONG WAY BACK. We also discus her writing process (it may surprise you) and who inspired her to pursue the writing life. We talked the difference between suspense and mystery, how to create concern and curiosity in the minds of your readers and letting your stories reflect the struggles and questions your'e wrestling with in your own life. Her book is available now. Don't miss this episode of The Story Blender #thestoryblender #nicolebaart #thelongwayback #readstevenjames

Steven James, host of The Story Blender, is a critically acclaimed author of eighteen novels and numerous nonfiction books that have sold more than 1 million copies. His books have won or been shortlisted for dozens of national and international awards. In addition, his stories and articles have appeared in more than eighty different publications, including the New York Times. He is also a popular keynote speaker and professional storyteller with a master's degree in storytelling.  Bethany Jett  is an author, as well as a literary agent and a book marketing expert. She co-founded Serious Writer, Inc. and recently completed an MFA in Communication. When she's not writing or speaking at events nationwide, she reads suspense novels, manages a busy household with three boys and consults on the business of writing.  Kaleo Griffith was raised in the Hawaiian Islands and has been been performing since the age of 15. Griffith graduated cum laude from Franklin Pierce University with a B.A. in Theatre, holds an M.F.A. in Acting from Rutgers University, and is a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He has also lived, and trained classically in the United Kingdom through Roger Williams University. Recently Kaleo has been nominated for his second Audie for Tools of Titans written by Tim Ferriss. Griffith's voice work encompasses many TV/ Radio commercial campaigns and over 250 audiobooks. Griffith won an Audie for Lincoln In The Bardo (multicast) and has been honored by The Library Journal, and AudioFile Magazine with six "Earphone" Awards. He is the narrator for the audiobook of Steven James' newest novel, BROKER OF LIES. 

Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Steven James. We'll be talking about his multifaceted storytelling framework, and his book The Art of the Tale. Steven James is the bestselling, critically acclaimed author of eighteen novels that have won or been shortlisted for more than a dozen national and international awards. His thrillers have been praised by Suspense Magazine, Booklist, and the New York Journal of Books and received starred reviews from both Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, who called his work “thought-provoking” and “riveting.” He has also written two award-winning books on the craft of writing, Story Trumps Structure and Troubleshooting Your Novel. When he's not writing, he teaches storytelling at events around the globe and hosts the weekly podcast, The Story Blender. You can find him on his website or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.   In this episode Steven James and I discuss: The importance of what is, not what appears to be. Giving readers what they don't know they want. How plot isn't about events, but about the collision of desires.   Plus, his #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: diymfa.com/452

As a writer, how do you define Story? What value do you place on context? Get ready to learn a few aspects of story you may not be familiar with our host, Linda Goldfarb, and her industry expert, the critically acclaimed, best-selling author Steven James.Steven has served as a contributing editor to Writer's Digest Magazine and is the author of the groundbreaking nonfiction books Story Trumps Structure and Troubleshooting Your Novel. When he's not working on his next book, Steven teaches Novel Writing Intensive retreats across the country with New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni and hosts the weekly podcast The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed more than two hundred of the top storytellers and writers in the world.In this episode, Linda and Steven discuss the writing cube, pivot, and payoff. Steven provides a clear insight into the aspects of believability, escalation, causality, twists, and surprises along the way.LINKSSteven JamesPreview downloads for The Art of the Tale - freeSteven James BooksThe Fiction Intensive Writing ConferenceThe Art of the Tale bookVisit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeAbout your host - Linda GoldfarbSponsored by Access More!

In which the narrator talks with the best-selling and award-winning novelist Meg Gardiner about her latest book, HEAT 2, a collaboration with filmmaker Michael Mann that sequelizes and prequelizes his 1995 crime epic, HEAT, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Val Kilmer. Here's a link to my favorite interview with Meg Gardiner, on THE STORY BLENDER podcast: https://www.thestoryblender.com/past-recordings/meggardiner2022 PATREON: www.patreon.com/thousandmovieproject EMAIL: thousandmovieproject@gmail.com

Lisa Phillips is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London. She is a USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author who is releasing her 61st book this fall. In this interview on The Story Blender, she shares her strategy for publishing and writing, how she deals with upcoming deadlines, and her thoughts on character arcs. If you like romantic suspense, especially inspirational suspense, check it out! 

Over the last few weeks I've had the honor of working with the creative writing students at Elizabethton High School in Tennessee as an author in residence. We explored the elements of all great stories, how to write organically (without an outline), and how to critique each other's work. So, this week on The Story Blender, I decided to take a break from interviewing other storytellers or authors and give the students a chance to share their stories. So, sit back and enjoy some entertaining (and frightening!) stories inspired by the simple prompt: Earth Day. This is Part 1 of 2. (We'll be back next week with an interview with NYT Bestselling author and former FBI agent, Don Bentley.) 

Over the last few weeks I've had the honor of working with the creative writing students at Elizabethton High School in Tennessee as an author in residence. We explored the elements of all great stories, how to write organically (without an outline), and how to critique each other's work. So, this week on The Story Blender, I decided to take a break from interviewing other storytellers or authors and give the students a chance to share their stories. So, sit back and enjoy some entertaining (and frightening!) stories inspired by the simple prompt: Earth Day. This is Part 2 of 2. (We'll be back next week with an interview with NYT Bestselling author and former FBI agent, Don Bentley.)

From the Story Vault: Paul Leyden is a multi-talented Australian actor, producer, and screenwriter with dozens of film and television credits. In this episode of The Story Blender, he discusses his twisty indie horror flick Come Back To Me and unpacks his writing process, offering advice for those hoping to break into the film industry.

THE STORYTELLER'S MISSION WITH ZENA DELL LOWEEPISODE 62 – Zena's Interview as a Guest on The Story Blender PodcastZena Dell Lowe was honored to be a returning guest on The Story Blender podcast. Her episode aired on Friday, April 30, 2021.This is a show where award-winning writer Steven James interviews some of the world's top storytellers on the secrets to great storytelling. Some of their previous guests include international bestselling authors George R.R. Martin, Steve Berry, Meg Gardiner, Jeffery Deaver, Sue Grafton, MJ Rose, and comedian Bob Stromberg among others. Episodes of The Story Blender air every Friday on their website at www.thestoryblender.com. You can also find them on Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast providers. Conversations usually run between 45 minutes to an hour, so it's a great chance to share some of my favorite storytelling secrets! Read More About Steven James:Steven James is the critically-acclaimed author of seventeen novels. He is a contributing editor to Writer's Digest Magazine and is the author of the groundbreaking book Story Trumps Structure as well as the award-winning guidebook used by thousands of novelists, Troubleshooting Your Novel. Publishers Weekly calls him “[a] master storyteller at the peak of his game.” When he's not working on his next novel, Steven teaches Novel Writing Intensive retreats across the country with New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni. Steven's latest book is a near-future sci-fi thriller called Synapse.OUR ONLINE PLATFORMThe Storyteller's Mission online platform is finally up and running! Sign up for one-on-one COACHING, get a SCRIPT CRITIQUE, or register for one of our highly anticipated ADVANCED CLASSES ON WRITING today! TOPIC REQUESTS? If you have a question or a specific writing related topic that you would like Zena to consider addressing in a future podcast, LEAVE US A VOICEMAIL recording with your problem, question, or issue! SPECIAL THANKS -The Storyteller's Mission with Zena Dell Lowe would like to thank composer CARLA PATULLO for the original music she graciously permits us to use in the intro and outro of this podcast. To find out more about this amazing talent, go to  www.carlapatullo.comSupport the show (https://paypal.me/missionranchfilms?locale.x=en_US)

Robert J. Morgan is a prolific author and gifted storyteller who has served as a pastor in Nashville for forty years. He's written more than two dozen bestselling and award-winning books, including the seasonal favorite “12 Stories of Christmas,” and his books have more than 5 million copies in print. In this special Christmas episode of The Story Blender, Robert shares some of his secrets to storytelling and also tells one of his most beloved Christmas stories, “Gabriel's Cry.” 

Bestselling novelist Steven James discusses the difference between action and tension, how twists do (and don't) work, the reader's desire to be both surprised and satisfied, and the importance of being alert to the messages your story is trying to send you. Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. His latest novel is SYNAPSE, a near-future thriller. Suspense Magazine named his book EVERY WICKED MAN one of their “Best Books of 2018.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game” and, in fact, Steven has a Master's Degree in Storytelling. He has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, and spoken more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe. Steven's groundbreaking books on the art of fiction writing, STORY TRUMPS STRUCTURE and TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR NOVEL, have both won Storytelling World Awards. In his podcast “The Story Blender,” he interviews leading storytellers in film, print, and web When Steven isn't writing or speaking, you'll find him trail running, rock climbing, or drinking dark roast coffee near his home in East Tennessee.

John Raab is a publishing industry professional and podcast producer who is also the founder of Suspense Magazine and the CEO of Suspense Publishing. If you like thrillers, suspense, mystery, or horror, be sure to check out these resources. John was also the impetus to me starting The Story Blender, so it's exciting for me to have him on the show today. 

From the Story Vault: Steve Berry is the New York Times and international bestselling author of more than a dozen novels and our first returning guest on The Story Blender. He weaves history, mystery, an intrigue together to create compelling stories. Listen in to hear his take on storytelling and to hear him discuss his latest novel, The Malta Exchange!

Jean Kwok is an international bestselling author whose debut novel, Girl in Translation, won numerous awards and was featured in USA Today, the New York Times, and Vogue. Jean's work has been published in eighteen countries and taught in universities, colleges, and high schools across the world. Her latest novel, Searching for Sylvie Lee, has been called “poignant and propulsive” and was released on June 4th.

Tony Marr is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who has spent years captivating audiences with his larger-than-life tales. From unbelievable adventures that will leave you wondering how he's still alive to the untold stories of American past and scripture, Tony immerses his audiences in an imaginative world you will never want to leave. Steven James is the author of the Bowers Files. His book "The Bishop" was named the book of the year by Suspense Magazine. For more information visit stevenjames.net and for more information on the show visit the storyblender.com

Liv Constantine "The Last Time I Saw You": The internationally bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish follows that success with an addictive novel filled with shocking twists about the aftermath of a brutal high-society murder. Dr. Kate English has it all. Not only is she the heiress to a large fortune; she has a gorgeous husband and daughter, a high-flying career, and a beautiful home anyone would envy. But all that changes the night Kate's mother, Lily, is found dead, brutally murdered in her own home. Heartbroken and distraught, Kate reaches out to her estranged best friend, Blaire Barrington, who rushes to her side for the funeral, where the years of distance between them are forgotten in a moment. That evening, Kate's grief turns to horror when she receives an anonymous text: You think you're sad now, just wait. By the time I'm finished with you, you'll wish you had been buried today. More than ever, Kate needs her old friend's help. Once Blaire decides to take the investigation into her own hands, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems in Baltimore high society. As infidelity, lies, and betrayals come to light, and tensions rise to a boiling point, she begins to alienate Kate's friends and relatives with her relentless, accusatory questions, as she tries to find Lily's killer. The murderer could be anyone—friend, neighbor, loved one. But whoever it is, it's clear that Kate is next on their list. . . In The Last Time I Saw You, Liv Constantine takes the lightning pace of The Last Mrs. Parrish and raises the stakes, creating an exquisitely tension-filled and absorbing tale of psychological suspense in which innocent lives—and one woman's sanity—hang in the balance.

A self-described "full-time daydreamer who moonlights as a storyteller," Ed Stivender has been dubbed "the Robin Williams of storytelling" by the Miami Herald and "the Catholic Garrison Keillor" by Kirkus Reviews. Join us as he shares a delightful mixture of whimsy, wit, and wisdom on the art of storytelling. All shows are brought to you by Suspense Magazine, please visit www.suspensemagazine.com for more information. To get in touch with any of the hosts on the show, you can email radio@suspensemagazine.com Steven James official website is www.stevenjames.net Look for his latest release and pick up the "Bowers Files".

Meg Gardiner: Edgar Award-winning novelist Meg Gardiner writes fast-paced thrillers full of twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Her bestselling books have been called "Hitchcockian" USA Today and been translated into more than 20 languages. Listen in as she shares secrets to twist creation and story craft. "Into The Black Nowhere, an UNSUB novel:" In this exhilarating thriller inspired by real-life serial killer Ted Bundy, FBI profiler Caitlin Hendrix faces off against a charming, merciless serial killer. In southern Texas, on Saturday nights, women are disappearing. One vanishes from a movie theater. Another, from her car at a stoplight. A mother is ripped from her home while checking on her baby. Rookie FBI agent Caitlin Hendrix, newly assigned to the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, fears that a serial killer is roaming the dark roads outside Austin.

Karin Slaughter - international bestselling novelist Acclaimed author Karin Slaughter is published in 120 countries and has sold more than 35 million books. Listen in to catch hold of her passion for sharing empowering and honest stories of women as she discusses PIECES OF HER, her eighteenth novel. Author A.E. Schwartz joins us as a special guest host! "Pieces of Her": Andrea knows everything about her mother, Laura. She knows she's spent her whole life in the small beachside town of Belle Isle; she knows she's never wanted anything more than to live a quiet life as a pillar of the community; she knows she's never kept a secret in her life. Because we all know our mothers, don't we? But all that changes when a trip to the mall explodes into violence and Andrea suddenly sees a completely different side to Laura. Because it turns out that before Laura was Laura, she was someone completely different. For nearly thirty years she's been hiding from her previous identity, lying low in the hope that no one would ever find her. But now she's been exposed, and nothing will ever be the same again. The police want answers and Laura's innocence is on the line, but she won't speak to anyone, including her own daughter. Andrea is on a desperate journey following the breadcrumb trail of her mother's past. And if she can't uncover the secrets hidden there, there may be no future for either one of them. . . .

KJ Howe "Skyjack": "ACTION-PACKED THRILL RIDE." --KARIN SLAUGHTER "SENSATIONAL." --LEE CHILD "HIGH STAKES, UP-TO-THE-MINUTE REALISM, AND NONSTOP ACTION." --KAREN DIONNE In the follow-up to her exhilarating debut, The Freedom Broker, K.J. Howe delivers a "riveting" and "rip-roaring" thriller perfect for fans of Sandra Brown and Lisa Gardner. International kidnap expert Thea Paris is escorting two former child soldiers on a plane from an orphanage in Kanzi, Africa, to adoptive parents in London when the Boeing Business Jet is hijacked and forced to make an emergency landing in the remote Libyan desert. When the dust settles on a tense negotiation, Thea finds herself at the beck and call of a ruthless criminal who will stop at nothing to crush his rivals, even if it means forcing her to break international law. Revealing a deadly conspiracy that connects the dark postwar legacy of World War II to the present, this case will bring all parties to an explosive conclusion that will decide the fate of millions across Europe and the Middle East.

C. C. Humphreys, international bestselling author As a multi-talented actor and novelist, C. C. gives a unique perspective on developing characters for fiction and presenting stories orally, even for those who aren't trained in acting. Listen in as he talks through what led him to write his latest novel, Chasing the Wind. "Chasing the Wind": You should never fall in love with a flyer. You should only be in love with flight. That's the rule that Roxy Loewen – aviatrix, and protégé of the great Amelia Earhart – always lives by. Until she falls hard for fellow pilot Jocco Zomack and he leads her into a whole heap of trouble. From African skies to a hot cellar in Madrid, from the Berlin Olympics to the last flight of the Hindenburg, from gun running to the heist of the century, Roxy is just one step ahead of the Nazis – and one loop-de-loop from disaster. "A barrel-rolling barn-burner of a book! Roxy's got a tender heart with a steel jacket, and the skill and courage to bring her in on a wing and a prayer. A good thing, because this girl doesn't pack a parachute." —Diana Gabaldon

Peter James, International bestelling novelist One of the world's premiere crime writers shares stories and advice, as we talk psychopaths (both fictional and real), what makes for a great crime story, and the three aspects of emotionally engaging fiction: character, research and plot. Also: learn about his writing process and get inside info about upcoming releases. Peter James "Dead if you Don't": A PARENT'S WORST NIGHTMARE IS GRACE'S DEADLIEST CASE . . . Roy Grace, creation of the CWA Diamond Dagger award winning author Peter James, faces his most complex case yet in Dead If You Don't. Kipp Brown, successful businessman and compulsive gambler, is having the worst run of luck of his life. He's beginning to lose, big style. However, taking his teenage son, Mungo, to their club's Saturday afternoon football match should have given him a welcome respite, if only for a few hours. But it's at the stadium where his nightmare begins. Within minutes of arriving at the game, Kipp bumps into a client. He takes his eye off Mungo for a few moments, and in that time, the boy disappears. Then he gets the terrifying message that someone has his child, and to get him back alive, Kipp will have to pay. Defying instruction not to contact the police, Kipp reluctantly does just that, and Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is brought in to investigate. At first it seems a straightforward case of kidnap. But rapidly Grace finds himself entering a dark, criminal underbelly of the city, where the rules are different and nothing is what it seems . .

Nicolas Obregon, crime novelist Travel writer turned novelist Nicolas Obregon read hundreds of crime novels to research the genre before penning his stunning debut novel BLUE LIGHT YOKOHAMA. His insights are invaluable for storytellers of all bents, and especially for anyone thinking of writing a novel. Visit www.thestoryblender.com for more information on all the shows. Also please know that all shows are brought to you by Suspense Magazine and Suspense Publishing, please visit www.suspensemagazine.com for more information. You can email the show at radio@suspensemagaizne.com

Andrew Mayne - TV Personality, Illusionist, and bestselling author Andrew was the star of A&E's magic reality show Don't Trust Andrew Mayne. As one of the most innovative illusionists in the country and a critically acclaimed novelist, his passion is tollways entertain audiences and readers. Andrew gives insights into his writing process including how to write a novella in 24 hours. All shows are brought to you by Suspense Magazine. Check out www.suspensemagazine.com. Also check out www.thestoryblender.com. If you want to email the show to contact any guest, etc: radio@suspensemagazine.com. Subscribe on ITunes.

Guest: Carolyn Wheat - award-winning mystery writer Bio: As a writing instructor and author, Carolyn brings a unique perspective to understanding and crafting crime novels. She shares her unique insights and explains the difference between mystery and suspense in this in-depth interview. All shows are brought to you by Suspense Magazine / Suspense Publishing. Check out www.suspensemagazine.com for more information on everything we have going on. Also if you would like to contact or have any questions for guests or the hosts, simply email radio@suspensemagazine.com

Guest: Paul Leyden, actor, director, and screenwriter Bio: Listen in to a lively conversation with the multi-talented writer and director of the twisty indie horror flick COME BACK TO ME. Paul unpacks his writing process and offers advice for those hoping to break into the industry. Host Steven James: bestselling author of the Bowers Files. To find out everything about Steven, visit www.stevenjames.net. For the Story Blender, visit www.thestoryblender.com All shows are brought to you by Suspense Magazine: www.suspensemagazine.com email radio@suspensemagazine.com to talk to any of the guests.

Guest: McNair Wilson Bio: As an actor, author, and former Disney Imagineer who came up with the idea for the Tower of Terror, McNair has spoken on creativity and performed in 33 countries. His insights into imagination will inspire you, whatever project you might be working on. Listen in and be inspired. Host Steven James: Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven's book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he "sets the new standard in suspense writing." Publishers Weekly calls him a "master storyteller at the peak of his game." And RT Book Reviews promises, "the nail-biting suspense will rivet you." Equipped with a unique Master's Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe. In his podcast "The Story Blender," he interviews leading storytellers in film, print, and web. Listen now to any of the dozens of archived podcasts for free by visiting his website www.thestoryblender.com.

Guest: Tony Marr Tony Marr, Professional Storyteller Listen in as award-winning story spinner Tony Marr talks the craft of shaping powerful messages and presentations including how to use humor and step into the shoes of those you tell stories about, even someone as polarizing as Judas Iscariot. Host Steven James: Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven's book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he "sets the new standard in suspense writing." Publishers Weekly calls him a "master storyteller at the peak of his game." And RT Book Reviews promises, "the nail-biting suspense will rivet you." Equipped with a unique Master's Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe. In his podcast "The Story Blender," he interviews leading storytellers in film, print, and web. Listen now to any of the dozens of archived podcasts for free by visiting his website www.thestoryblender.com.

Guest: Steve La Rue Steve LaRue, veteran Hollywood executive Steve has worked at Paramount, NBC/Universal and 20th Century Fox where he championed such series as Battlestar Galactica, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The X-Files, The Simpsons, King of the Hill, Ally McBeal, and Farscape. He gives invaluable insights on pitches, passion, and how to break into the industry. Host Steven James: Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven's book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he "sets the new standard in suspense writing." Publishers Weekly calls him a "master storyteller at the peak of his game." And RT Book Reviews promises, "the nail-biting suspense will rivet you." Equipped with a unique Master's Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe. In his podcast "The Story Blender," he interviews leading storytellers in film, print, and web. Listen now to any of the dozens of archived podcasts for free by visiting his website www.thestoryblender.com.

Guest: Michael Hauge Michael Hauge, Hollywood script consultant and story guru Since 1985 Michael has been one of the top coaches and story experts in Hollywood. He has consulted on projects starring (among many others) Will Smith, Morgan Freeman, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise and Reese Witherspoon. Special deal: listeners of the show can click to www.storymastery.com/6stagechart for a free copy of Michael's guide to the 6 stages of a Hollywood blockbuster story! Host Steven James: Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven's book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he "sets the new standard in suspense writing." Publishers Weekly calls him a "master storyteller at the peak of his game." And RT Book Reviews promises, "the nail-biting suspense will rivet you."

Katia Lief, International bestselling author Join us as Katia shares her thoughts on story craft and idea germination as she discusses her latest thriller, A Map of the Dark, which she wrote under the pen name Karen Ellis. Learn techniques to improve your novel or short story, no matter what stage you're in. Steven James: Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven's book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he "sets the new standard in suspense writing." Publishers Weekly calls him a "master storyteller at the peak of his game." And RT Book Reviews promises, "the nail-biting suspense will rivet you." Equipped with a unique Master's Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe. In his podcast "The Story Blender," he interviews leading storytellers in film, print, and web. Listen now to any of the dozens of archived podcasts for free by visiting his website www.thestoryblender.com.

Guest: Carter Wilson Carter Wilson, USA Today bestselling novelist Nationally acclaimed author Carter Wilson takes us deep into the world of suspense as he discusses his latest chiller Mister Tender's Girl, inspired by the Slender Man attacks. You'll also learn tips on telling bedtime stories to your children from a premier storyteller. Host Steven James: Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven's book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he "sets the new standard in suspense writing." Publishers Weekly calls him a "master storyteller at the peak of his game." And RT Book Reviews promises, "the nail-biting suspense will rivet you."

John Lescroart: "Poison": "Lescroart never ceases to amaze his fans. The wit, the timing, the dialogue—everything combines to give this author yet another bestseller and provide readers with a fast-paced, memorable thriller." —Suspense Magazine "The narrative flows effortlessly and includes a Perry Mason–worthy moment when Hardy manifests a bit of courtroom magic. Lescroart is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy great ensemble casts." —Booklist In John Lescroart's latest thriller, San Francisco attorney Dismas Hardy is called upon to investigate the murder of a wealthy man whose heirs are all potential suspects. Dismas Hardy is looking forward to easing into retirement and reconnecting with his family after recovering from two glancing gunshot wounds courtesy of a recent client. But this plan is cut short when, against his wife's wishes, he is pulled back into the courtroom by the murder of Grant Wagner, the steely owner of a successful family business. The prime suspect is Wagner's bookkeeper, Abby Jarvis, a former client of Hardy's who had been receiving large sums of cash under-the-table from the company—but she insists that she's innocent and Dismas wants to believe her. As he prepares for trial, Dismas probes deeply into the Wagner clan's history, discovering dark secrets, jealous siblings, gold-digging girlfriends, startling betrayals, and menacing blackmailers. Suspense builds as the trial date looms, and the closer Dismas gets to the Wagners, the clearer it becomes that he has a large target painted on his back. With John Lescroart's razor-sharp dialogue, intricate plotting and relentless pacing, Poison is a nail-biter that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Mark Greaney, #1 NYT bestselling author As one of the top action and military thriller writers in the country and co-author of three novels with legendary novelist Tom Clancy, Mark shares his insights on writing killer fight scenes, researching international thrillers, and climbing into the mind of an assassin. "Gunmetal Grey"; Mark Greaney, the #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan novels, delivers another breakneck thriller following the world's deadliest assassin—the Gray Man… After five years on the run Court Gentry is back on the inside at the CIA. But his first mission makes him wish he had stayed on the outs when a pair of Chinese agents try to take him down in Hong Kong. Normally the Chinese prefer to stay eyes-only on foreign agents. So why are they on such high alert? Court's high stakes hunt for answers takes him across Southeast Asia and leads to his old friend, Donald Fitzroy, who is being held hostage by the Chinese. Fitzroy was contracted to find Fan Jiang, a former member of an ultra-secret computer warfare unit responsible for testing China's own security systems. And it seems Fan may have been too good at his job—because China wants him dead. The first two kill teams Fitzroy sent to find Fan have disappeared and the Chinese have decided to "supervise" the next operation. What they don't know is that Gentry's mission is to find Fan first and get whatever intel he has to the US. After that, all he has to do is get out alive...

E. Lockhart is the author of the New York Times bestseller We Were Liars, discusses her latest novel Genuine Fraud, a story told backward. Get the inside scoop on how she crafted this unique story. Host Steven James: www.stevenjames.net www.thestoryblender.com Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven's book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he "sets the new standard in suspense writing." Publishers Weekly calls him a "master storyteller at the peak of his game." And RT Book Reviews promises, "the nail-biting suspense will rivet you." Equipped with a unique Master's Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe. In his podcast "The Story Blender," he interviews leading storytellers in film, print, and web.

Simon Toyne - International Bestselling Author Former TV executive and international bestselling novelist Simon Toyne talks through what he learned in the film industry and how anyone can shape better stories by applying those lessons. Host Steven James: Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven's book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he "sets the new standard in suspense writing." Publishers Weekly calls him a "master storyteller at the peak of his game." And RT Book Reviews promises, "the nail-biting suspense will rivet you." Equipped with a unique Master's Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe. In his podcast "The Story Blender," he interviews leading storytellers in film, print, and web. Listen now to any of the dozens of archived podcasts for free by visiting his website www.thestoryblender.com.

Bio: Gabriela Pereira has a passion for helping writers strive for excellence and find a community of like-minded "word nerds." Listen in as she shares her seven scintillating secrets to creating better characters and building better stories. Host Steven James: Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven's book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he "sets the new standard in suspense writing." Publishers Weekly calls him a "master storyteller at the peak of his game." And RT Book Reviews promises, "the nail-biting suspense will rivet you." Equipped with a unique Master's Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe. In his podcast "The Story Blender," he interviews leading storytellers in film, print, and web. Listen now to any of the dozens of archived podcasts for free by visiting his website www.thestoryblender.com.